The Federal Charter or Letter of Alliance (in GermanBundesbrief) is documenting the Eternal Alliance or League Of The Three Forest Cantons (in German Ewiger Bund der Drei Waldstätten), the union of three Switzerland, formed in early August, 1291.
This inaugural confederation grew through a long series of accessions to modern Switzerland. The Alliance was concluded by representatives from three areas: Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden. It was set up as a league for defence purposes against any attacker, probably prompted by the death of Rudolf I of Habsburg on 15 July1291. Before his death, Habsburg attempted to reinforce his claim over Schwyz and Unterwalden which meant a succession of military interventions.
The authenticity of the letter is disputed. Most historians agree that it is almost certainly a forgery of the 14th century. In 1991, the parchment has been radiocarbon dated to between 1252 and 1312 (with a certainty of 85%). If the document is indeed a forgery, it would therefore be a product of the decades following the described event, and is certainly unrelated to the emergence of the modern federal state in 1848.
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Original text and translations (http://www.lexilogos.com/declaration/suisse_pacte_texte.htm)
Wikisource has original text related to this article:
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia was selected as the perfect location to host the first departure of the “Bundesbrief” from its home place of Schwyz, Switzerland, because of its high-security provisions, its mission of interpretation of national archives, and the strong support of its museum leadership and staff.
The ”Bundesbrief” is unveiled on Saturday, June 10th, at the exhibit’s opening at the National Constitution Center which features ribbon cutting and visits of dignitaries from both sides of the Atlantic.
Highlighting the festivities is a salute from Washington DC based “Swiss Rifles” corps, a First City Troop Color Guard, solidarity march of the Pennsylvania Sons of the Revolution and lampion welcome to the Bundesbrief and former Federal Councilor Arnold Koller.
The Bundesbrief serves as a beacon of hope worldwide for those who strive for the democratic stronghold of liberty and freedom and can help provide reassurance, security, and guidance.
Our greatest challenge today is to extend the promise of political freedom and economic opportunity to those who are still denied it, in our home country and around the world.
The Corporation is incorporated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes, including, without limitation, to sponsor publications, conferences, a digital library, symposia and speeches pertaining to the Bundesbrief, its heritage and influence as follows:
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